The traditional classroom where students passively listen to the teacher, read the text, answer the questions at the end of the chapter, then reproduce those facts on tests and quizzes with no connection to the real world application of what they are learning, does not prepare students for the 21st Century.

Our role in a technology enriched classroom is to guide students to solve complex, real world connected problems that they care about. Content mastery must be embedded in 21st century skills* context that requires students to work collaboratively, solve problems, do effective research, manage their time, and evaluate, analyze and synthesize information using appropriate real world technology. (Standard 4)

What are 21st Century Skills? (http://atc21s.org/ | Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills)

*NOTE: 21st Century Skills are now often referencing that we are moving away from the 3Rs to the 4Cs: Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity, and Collaboration.


Video from EdLeaders21 [http://www.edleader21.com/]

21st-century skills internationally into four broad categories:
  • Ways of thinking. Creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making and learning
  • Ways of working. Communication and collaboration
  • Tools for working. Information and communications technology (ICT) and information literacy
  • Skills for living in the world. Citizenship, life and career, and personal and social responsibility

But if you want specifics.... The most common breakdown of these Skills are (from Partnership from 21st Century Learning)
  • Critical Thinking*
  • Communication*
  • Creativity*
  • Collaboration*
  • Information & Media Literacy
  • Social Responsibility
  • Self-Directed Learning
  • Accountability & Adaptability

*The 4Cs

Really Helpful Resources:
Preparing 21st Century Students for a Global Society: An Educator’s Guide to the “Four Cs”
Becoming a 21st Century School or District
Teach 21


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